Mamongae Mahlare Ascends to Executive Chair in Takealot Group

South Africa's e-commerce giant, Takealot Group, has instituted a significant shift at its executive level, announcing the appointment of Mamongae Mahlare into the role of Executive Chair starting February 1. The move comes as the company continues to cement its status as a leading player in South Africa's burgeoning online retail market.

The former group CEO of Naspers e-commerce ventures, Mamongae Mahlare, brings a wealth of experience and strategic direction to Takealot, which has been charting a path of sustained growth since its inception in 2011. Owned by Naspers, a global internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world, Takealot consists of takealot.com, its flagship consumer goods platform, as well as the fashion-centric Superbalist, and the popular Mr D Food delivery service.

Mahlare's journey with Takealot is a narrative of formidable progression. Having initially taken up the mantle as Group CEO, she has overseen significant milestones within the company. The prominence of Takealot in the South African market is notable; it commands a significant presence in a retail environment predominantly controlled by traditional brick-and-mortar giants such as Shoprite and Mr Price.

Takealot's diverse portfolio has effectively positioned it at the vanguard of SA's digital retail domain, with a roughly 2% stake in the overarching retail market. The ascent of Mahlare to the position of Executive Chair is a strategic move that underscores the company's commitment to nurturing leadership from within and establishing a bedrock of industry expertise to navigate the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

Under Mahlare’s leadership, Takealot has capitalized on the shifting consumer behaviors and the surge in online shopping, particularly pronounced during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has innovated its systems, broadened its product offerings, and significantly enhanced its logistics capabilities to meet growing demands while maintaining customer satisfaction.

Looking forward, with Mamongae Mahlare at the helm as Executive Chair, Takealot is poised to further expand its market share and solidify its place as a preeminent force in e-commerce, not just in South Africa but also potentially extending its reach beyond national borders. The deployment of Mahlare’s expertise in this new capacity is anticipated to fortify the group's strategic vision, driving innovation and adaptation in a competitive digital space.

In a statement, the company expressed enthusiasm for the future, lauding Mahlare's exceptional leadership qualities and her profound understanding of the e-commerce industry. The statement highlighted the group's confidence in Mahlare’s ability to steer the company towards new heights of success and to nurture the continued growth of Takealot’s core business segments.

Mahlare's appointment is a testament to the dynamic nature of the e-commerce industry and the growing recognition of its transformative powers over contemporary retail. Her move to Executive Chair at the Takealot Group is another chapter in the story of this remarkably resilient and innovative segment of South Africa's economy.